Faithchick

Insurance or assurance?

The other day, I listened to a man on the radio go on and on about the importance of getting disability insurance. He said it's the responsible thing to do, so you won't have to rely on taxpayers money one day in case something bad happens.

Meanwhile, my insurance agent keeps insisting that we need to up our life insurance policy, again, just in case those "what ifs" happen in life.

When I got a new digital camera, the salesboy went on and on about how we should get a six-month policy on it, just in case I accidentally drop it or scratch the lens.

Then I got a letter from my power company, offering me insurance in case my sewage line bursts or gets clogged. For supposedly $10 a month, I could potentially save thousands.

I'm always seeing commericals on TV, commercials that insist I need long-term care insurance, insurance in case I get sued one day, and even insurance for my dogs.

Of course, then there are the policies that I have to have like my car insurance, health insurance and homeowners insurance. I found out the hard way last year that insurance doesn't always work the way I'd like. I used my homeowners insurance and then got dropped by the company, simply because I'd used my policy. But isn't that why I have insurance?

I realized that if I got all the insurance people recommended I get that I'd have no money left to actually live.

Yet, insurance is so tempting. It helps us to handle the "what if" questions in life. In a certain sense, it helps ease our paranoia.

I began thinking about how life would ideally work. I dreamed about a society where instead of paying insurance, we could save that money and use it to help others when bad stuff happens. Then, hopefully, they'd return the favor should circumstances change. Probably not realistic, but nice to think about.

I finally came to the conclusion that part of the human experience is simply living on faith that if something bad does happen, but life will work itself out one way or another. That God will honor his assurances that he'll give us nothing in life that we can't handle.

Yes, that's what I'd take. I'll God's assurances as opposed to man's insurances.

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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY and SUSPICIOUS MINDS, chick-lit mysteries about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com or http://myblog4fun.com/cbarritt.

You Make Me Feel Dancing

It all starts with the head bob. Soon, an imaginary microphone appears. Then my step subtly starts to change from normal to a two-step.

It takes everything within me to restrain myself.

What I'm talking about it a curious phenomenon that's been occurring lately in my life. You see, I've always been a singer. I could burst into song at any time and place and not think a thing of it.

But lately, especially when I'm in the grocery store, something happens whenever I hear a catchy song on the overhead. I always start by softly singing harmony while I shop. Then I get a little louder. My two year old son giggles at me. Then I'll grab some macaroni and cheese and do a little twirl as I put it into the cart. As I'm looking over the variety of canned soups, I'll start nodded my head to the music. Spontaneously, I'll look at my son and sing along with the song. His giggles on encourage me.

It takes everything in me to stop myself from bursting into all out song and dance. Yes, if I could live life as a musical, I would. (Anyone who's read Hazardous Duty or Suspicious Minds will now know where Gabby gets her musical neurosis).

Right now, my son thinks I'm funny. Give him a few years. When he realizes what a big dork his mom is, he'll be hiding his head. But you know what? I really don't care. More people should feel like singing and dancing. I'll take that any day to being crabby.

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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY and SUSPICIOUS MINDS, chick-lit mysteries about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com. Help to save the series by buying a book... win a gift certificate in the process! Visit my blog for details: http://myblog4fun.com/cbarritt.

Money, Money, Money!

My two-year-old son likes to play with coins. The other day, I gave him a handful of pennies to play with on the bed. He had fun stacking them and arranging them into little piles. After several minutes of this, I decided it was time to put the money away and something else.

He immediately cried, "No! Mine!" He grabbed all the pennies and tried to hold them to his chest so I wouldn't get them back.

Of course, the money wasn't his. I was just letting him play with it for the time being.

I couldn't help but to reflect on how much his attitude about money is very similar to the attitude many Christians have about money. Oftentimes, we try to hold our funds close and do exactly what we please with what we have. We don't realize that the finances we have are really God's and we're simply to be good stewards of it.

The word "steward" isn't used very often anymore. It means "a person who administers someone else's property." Everything we have is God's. He has clear direction on how we're to administer what we have.

So, next time you're tempting to grab all your money and proclaim, "No! Mine" remember that what we have really isn't ours after all.

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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY and SUSPICIOUS MINDS, chick-lit mysteries about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com. Help to save the series by buying a book... win a gift certificate in the process! Visit my blog for details: http://myblog4fun.com/cbarritt.

A Heart for the Poor

I'm taking a financial workshop through Crowne Ministries. This past week, we talked about the importance of giving--not only to the church, but to the poor. We read verses like Deuteronomy 15:7, which says, "If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother."

As we were talking, I realized how hardened my heart has become to the poor. In fact, my heart often feels so hard that I know I can't soften it on my own.

I realized part of the reason I feel this way is because I'm being judgmental. I got tired of seeing the so-called poor walking around with cellphones while wearing $100 shoes. That's not poor. I mean, the poor in the United States are richer than most of the people in the world.

Or have you ever taken Christmas gifts to a needy family, only to walk into their house and see a flat screen TV, a Playstation, an X Box and a Wii? I don't even have those things.

But it's not for me to judge. At the same time, I don't know quite how to stop judging. And when I give, I don't want to do so with the wrong spirit.

I've been talking with the Lord a lot since that Bible study, asking him to work on my heart. The Christmas season is approaching, and I know there people out there in need.

So, this Christmas my Life Group is going to adopt a family from the community and provide Christmas for them. I know with prayer that God can change my heart and make it new. He can remind me about the joy of giving.

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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY and SUSPICIOUS MINDS, chick-lit mysteries about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com. Help to save the series by buying a book... win a gift certificate in the process! Visit my blog for details: http://myblog4fun.com/cbarritt.

Did this sweater shrink or did I get bigger?

I know I'm not the only one who's asked myself that question. How many times has it happened to you? A shirt or pair of parents that once fit perfectly fine now feels a little tight. It could be that you dried it on too high heat. Or is it that you've been eating one too many cupcakes lately? I think I'll blame it on the dryer.

By the way, I've finally started my own blog. It's nothing earth-shattering, but I am posting updates on my books. If you have a chance, visit it at: http://myblog4fun.com/cbarritt.

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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY and SUSPICIOUS MINDS, chick-lit mysteries about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com. Help to save the series by buying a book... win a gift certificate in the process! Visit my blog for details: http://myblog4fun.com/cbarritt.

Just Be Yourself

Not so long ago, I asked for advice from some friends about how to handle myself when I emcee'd an upcoming event. Over and over, I got the same response--just be yourself. That's just what I determined I would do--succeed or fail at this event, I'd be me. After all, it's a nice little mantra that we've all heard since we were three-years-old, right? Endless cartoons and after school specials tout the same message.

In the week leading up to the event, I found myself catching the subtle messages people around me were sending. "You need to be more assertive." "Are you always such a space cadet?" "Why can't you be more like so and so?"

It hit me later how ironic it was that we're always taught to be ourselves, yet, at the same time, we're told to be someone different. Talk about mixed messages. What's a girl to do?

I wrestled with the thought for awhile and then figured it out--I need to be me, just better.

No, that didn't sound quite right.

Okay, I need to be me, just me at my best. That made more sense, right?

I emceed the event and I just acted like plain old bubbly Christy. And you know what? It went just fine, even with a few non-assertive space cadet moments. What they say is true: be who God created you to be and ignore all of those other voices.

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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY and SUSPICIOUS MINDS, chick-lit mysteries about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com.

Low on Fuel

I knew before I left for church this morning that I needed to refuel my car.

I'd left my house late, my make-up still hadn't been applied, and I am the worship leader so being there on time is really helpful... especially since I stress it so often to other band members.

So, I decided to chance it. The gas light wasn't on yet, so maybe I could make it. The trip is 25 miles, though, and a good part of that distance is off the beaten path and away from any gas stations.

Halfway there, the gas light came on. I started to feel panicky. I mean, what if I did run out of gas? Who would lead worship for me at church? My hasty decision to not refuel when I had the chance could very well make things even more complicated.

I started to think about how easy it is to take unnecessary chances in life. We wait until we're on empty to ask for help. We wait until we can see no other way before we talk to God. We push ourselves to the limit to see how far we can go... and often, instead of proving something, we only make things worse.

I did make it to church on time. But I realized that in the future, I need to fill up before the panic starts in. Likewise, in my spiritual life, I need to drink in living water... which is always available and always free.

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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY, a chick-lit mystery about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. Her next novel, SUSPICIOUS MINDS, will hit shelves this May. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com.

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

It's been so much fun watching my son learn new things. He's a year and half now, and he simply amazes me in his observations of life.

The other day, as we were driving down the road, he continuously pointed out the window and said "nana," his word for "banana." It was nighttime and I was pretty sure there weren't any banana trees here in chilly Virginia. I had no idea what he was talking about it. But adamantly, he would point outside and say, "nana" over and over again.

At home, when we got out of the car, he pointed upward and said the word again. This time, I looked where he pointed in the nighttime sky. Sure enough, I found what he was talking about. The moon appeared at just a sliver and the thin crescent looked like none other than a banana!

Things have been really busy in my life lately--too busy for my tastes. My son delights in the simple things of life--and his delight reminds me, pardon the cliche, to take time to smell the roses. Every time we go outside, he points up with excitement and says, "cloud" or "sky." Whenever the wind blows, he stops and lets it tangle through his curly hair. He squeals and claps whenever he sees the neighbor's cat (usually on top of my car, but that's another story). As he takes time to pause, I stop also.

And here's another cliche to end with: a little child shall lead them.

Yes, we can learn a lot from children.

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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY, a chick-lit mystery about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. Her next novel, SUSPICIOUS MINDS, will hit shelves this May. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com.

And He Was Quiet

This morning, I was listening to the preacher tell the Christmas story. He told about Elizabeth, a cousin of Mary. The Bible says in Luke that Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were "upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly." They were both along in years and had no children.

One day, as Zechariah was in the temple burning incense, an angel appeared to him. He told him that he would have a child. Zechariah doubted the angel's words and asked for a sign ... he said, "How can I be sure of this?" So what happened? God made him mute for his wife's entire pregnancy.

It's funny how I've heard that story so many times, but I've never really considered that aspect of the Christmas story. But how appropriate, I thought. God really does have a sense of humor. Here's Zechariah, full of doubt after years of being childless. Rather than being able to voice his disbelief in front of his pregnant and aging wife, God made him silent. I bet during that silence that he was able to deeply reflect on what was taking place. Instead of verbalizing his doubt, he had no choice but to lift it directly up to God.

I found it interesting also that other men of God like Abraham and Gideon, asked for signs and God gave them what they requested. I wonder what made Zechariah different? Why was Zechariah seemingly punished for his uncertainty?

I pondered those thoughts all through church, trying to figure out a wise answer. The truth is, I don't know the answer to that question. I wish I could type some deep realization here on this blog. Instead, I'll continue pondering because I think there's something to be learned from this story.

I also know that I feel a lot like Zechariah sometimes. I know God's called me to do something. But after walking through a period of barrenness, I want to scream, God, please give me a sign! Give me some encouragement. Give me something to let me know that the joke's not on me.

Of one thing I'm certain: Romans 8:28 says: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY, a chick-lit mystery about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com.

To Squander or Not to Squander

The other day, I did something that I rarely do--I bought my favorite cake from a nearby bakery. I love this bakery's blueberry pound cake so much that I wanted to savor each bite. I made sure to only eat a little each day, so I could stretch out my enjoyment for as long as possible.

After a few days, I came down to the last piece. I put my treat onto a plate and poured creamer and sugar into my coffee before sitting down at my breakfast nook to eat.

I'd already fed my son his breakfast--toast and peaches. He sat in the kitchen floor now, looking through a book filled with farm animals. I smiled, ready to relish every bite of my cake.

As I was about to dig in, my son stood and came over to the table. He pointed to the cake and grunted (he's 16 months old). I could see in his eyes that he wanted my precious cake. Since I love my son, I cut the cake in two and gave him half. Even though I really wanted the cake for myself, I also wanted him to enjoy its sweetness.

I felt good inside, knowing I'd done the right thing by sharing. I looked out the window at the cold, blustery day outside and smiled before taking a sip of warm coffee. When I glanced over at my son again, I saw him wandering across the kitchen, cake in hand. The next thing I knew, my son was feeding the precious cake to our dog!

I bet that's how God feels when he gives us a talent or gift, and we waste it.

The word "squander" keeps on coming to my mind lately. I think God is trying to teach me to use what's given to me wisely--talents, money, time.

My husband and I don't live an extravagant lifestyle--he's a teacher and I'm a writer who would make more working full-time at McDonalds. But my husband's job position was eliminated recently and he had to go back to classroom teaching. Money has, needless to say, been really tight. I half-joked to a friend recently that money doesn't make you happy but a lack of money can make you miserable. I look back to when my husband had a better job and when I was working not only as a writer but also part-time at my church. What did we do with all the money we made then? Easy... you make more money so you acquire more bills.

I really think that God is showing me that whatever the amount of money, we must use it wisely. Looking back, I can see many places where money could have been better spent. We should have eaten out less, given more to charities, placed more in savings. I feel like we squandered our money.

The Bible has a lot to say about squandering what we've been given. I'm making a vow to appreciate each thing God has given me .... instead of feeding it to the dogs.

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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY, a chick-lit mystery about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com.